How to Access Files on a RAID Disk Without Functional NAS Instek NR5400-3U: Practical Steps

To access RAID disk files when the ⭐ NAS isn't working, connect them to a PC, configure RAID settings, and use recovery software for data recovery.

How to Access Files on a RAID Disk Without Functional NAS Instek NR5400-3U: Practical Steps

Instek NR5400-3U NAS Data Recovery in 2024

In this step-by-step tutorial, we’ll show you how to rebuild your RAID and recover data from NR5400-3U.

How to Access Files on a RAID Disk Without Functional NAS Instek NR5400-3U: Practical Steps

RAID Recovery™ 2.6
Recover data from damaged RAID arrays inaccessible from a computer.
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Why can’t ordinary software tools restore files from RAID?

Conventional hard disks keep user’s data by writing it to their surface in a consecutive way, and this is how an entire file is stored on a single hard disk. However, when data is written to a RAID system, a file is divided into several parts. Then these parts are written consecutively to all hard disks within such array. The size of such parts may range from 2 KB to 2 MB, so each file is stored on several hard disks at the same time.

Such approach helps to speed up read and write operations, and it is evident that saving two parts of a file having the size of 1 GB to two hard disks simultaneously is much faster than saving the same 1 GB of data to one hard disk. However, this peculiarity makes file recovery more complicated.

Various RAID levels store information in different ways. Additionally, manufacturers like Instek also introduce some modifications to this process, and that is why data can be written to hard disk in a wide variety of ways.

Are there any precautions to take while replacing or upgrading hard drives in NAS Instek NR5400-3U devices?

While replacing or upgrading hard drives in NAS Instek NR5400-3U devices, there are a few precautions you should take:

  1. Backup your data: Before replacing or upgrading the hard drives, make sure to backup all your important data to a separate storage device or cloud storage. This will ensure that you don't lose any data during the process.
  2. Power off the device: Before opening the NAS enclosure, power off the device and disconnect it from the power source. This will prevent any electrical accidents or damage to the device.
  3. Follow manufacturer's instructions: Consult the user manual or documentation provided by Instek for specific instructions on how to replace or upgrade the hard drives in their NAS device. Each device may have slightly different procedures, so it's important to follow the manufacturer's guidelines.
  4. Use compatible hard drives: Ensure that the hard drives you are replacing or upgrading with are compatible with the NAS device. Check the specifications and requirements provided by Instek to ensure compatibility.
  5. Handle drives with care: When handling the hard drives, be careful not to drop them or expose them to static electricity. Use proper anti-static precautions, such as grounding yourself and handling the drives on an anti-static mat or surface.
  6. Install drives correctly: When installing the new hard drives, make sure to securely connect the SATA cables and power cables. Ensure that the drives are properly seated in their respective drive bays and that all connections are secure.
  7. Initialize and configure the new drives: Once the new drives are installed, you may need to initialize and configure them within the NAS device's operating system. Follow the instructions provided by Instek to properly set up the new drives.
  8. Test and verify: After the replacement or upgrade is complete, power on the NAS device and test the functionality of the new drives. Verify that they are recognized by the device and perform any necessary testing or configuration to ensure they are functioning properly.

By following these precautions, you can minimize the risk of data loss or damage to the NAS device while replacing or upgrading hard drives.

How to take hard disks out of the NAS and connect them to a PC?

Although NAS NR5400-3U can be accessed over the network, you still need to take the hard disks out of the storage device and connect them to a Windows computer. Only in this case will the software be able to scan them properly. Here is what you should do:

  1. Turn off the storage and disconnect it from the power supply.

    WARNING! Before you start taking hard disks out of your NAS device, read the manual carefully. Incorrect actions may damage your network-attached storage and/or the hard disks within the RAID system.

  2. Take the hard disks out of the NAS one by one, carefully removing them from their slots. Remember that the disks are extremely vulnerable: hitting or dropping them may result in serious physical damage.

  3. Make sure to mark each hard disk in accordance with how they were installed inside the NAS.

  4. Remove the hard disks and connect them to the computer. In this video, we have explored what ports are used to connect hard disks, and what to do if there are not enough ports or connectors.

    Go to view
    How to Order Remote Data Recovery

    How to Order Remote Data Recovery

Restoring data with Hetman RAID Recovery

Hetman Raid Recovery

This program recovers data from damaged RAID arrays and is fully compatible with Instek NR5400-3U. The hard disks that make up the RAID contain technical information about the algorithm used to save files. When launched, Hetman RAID Recovery reads this information and puts the damaged array together. Then you can open the disk and save your files. Also, you can recover the files accidentally deleted from the network drive.

Go to view
How to recover data from a Instek

How to recover data from a Instek

NR5400-3U has 12 HDD slots, and it supports the following array types:

  • RAID 0;
  • RAID 1;
  • RAID 5;
  • RAID 6;
  • RAID 50;
  • RAID 60;
  • JBOD;

NAS supports:

  • exFAT, VFAT, FAT 12 / 16 / 32;
  • NTFS / ReFS;
  • APFS / HFS+;
  • Ext2 / 3 / 4 / ReiserFS / XFS / UFS / ZFS / Btrfs;
  • VMFS / HikvisionFS;

Safe recovery from disk images

This utility lets you save an entire copy of the disk to file and then work with this image instead of the actual disk. Such feature helps to protect data on the disk from:

  • Overwriting during the recovery process;
  • Loss resulting from bad sectors;
  • User mistakes.

To create an image, do the following:

  1. Make sure that you have enough free space to save the image. The image file size usually equals the disk size.

  2. Select the disk in the main window, and choose from the menu ToolsSave Disk. You can select multiple disks to be saved.

  3. When the image creation wizard starts, you can choose to save the entire disk or select only a part of it. Specify the parameters and click Next.

    Hetman Raid Recovery: Image Creation Wizard
  4. At this stage, you need to choose a directory where to save the image. Choose any disk connected to this PC, or save the image by FTP.

    Hetman Raid Recovery: hoose any disk connected to this PC, or save the image by FTP

Where are user’s files stored?

The Instek NR5400-3U network-attached storage keeps OS Linux operating system files on a separate RAID 1 (mirrored) array. Usually, all NAS systems create several volumes on every hard disk, and the first of them takes up to 2 Gb of space. This is where operating system files are stored. Other volumes are united into a RAID array where user’s data is written.

Comparison of software for RAID recovery

Product Operating system License type RAID controller support Supported file systems Virtual RAID controller support Data recovery from damaged RAID File preview
Hetman RAID Recovery Windows Paid Yes, over 100 controllers FAT, NTFS, Ext2/3/4, HFS+ Yes Yes Yes
DiskInternals RAID Recovery Windows Paid Yes, over 100 controllers FAT, NTFS, Ext2/3/4, HFS+ No Yes Yes
R-Studio Windows, Mac, Linux Paid Yes, over 200 controllers FAT, NTFS, Ext2/3/4, HFS+ Yes Yes Yes
UFS Explorer RAID Recovery Windows, Mac, Linux Paid Yes, over 1,000 controllers FAT, NTFS, Ext2/3/4, HFS+ Yes Yes Yes
EaseUS Data Recovery Windows Paid Yes, over 20 controllers FAT, NTFS, Ext2/3/4, HFS+ No Yes Yes
ReclaiMe Free RAID Recovery Windows Free Yes, over 100 controllers FAT, NTFS, Ext2/3/4, HFS+ Yes Yes Yes

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Comments (3)

  • Hetman Software: Data Recovery
    Hetman Software: Data Recovery 9.08.2022 12:31 #
    If you want to ask a question about data recovery, from NAS NR5400-3U, feel free to leave a comment!
  • Charlton Mossman
    Charlton Mossman 3.09.2023 22:06 #
    Are there any specific encryption keys or passwords required for data recovery from encrypted NAS Instek NR5400-3U devices?
    • Hetman Software
      Hetman Software 3.09.2023 22:11 #

      I apologize, but I'm unable to provide you with the specific encryption keys or passwords required for data recovery from encrypted NAS Instek NR5400-3U devices. It's best to consult the device's documentation or contact Instek support for assistance with data recovery from encrypted NAS devices.

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Vladimir Artiukh

Author: Vladimir Artiukh, Technical Writer

Vladimir Artiukh is a technical writer for Hetman Software, as well as the voice and face of their English-speaking YouTube channel, Hetman Software: Data Recovery for Windows. He handles tutorials, how-tos, and detailed reviews on how the company’s tools work with all kinds of data storage devices.

Oleg Afonin

Editor: Oleg Afonin, Technical Writer

Oleg Afonin is an expert in mobile forensics, data recovery and computer systems. He often attends large data security conferences, and writes several blogs for such resources as xaker.ru, Elcomsoft and Habr. In addition to his online activities, Oleg’s articles are also published in professional magazines. Also, Oleg Afonin is the co-author of a well-known book, Mobile Forensics - Advanced Investigative Strategies.

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Questions and answers

  • What are the steps to access files on the NAS Instek NR5400-3U from a remote location?

    To access files on the NAS Instek NR5400-3U from a remote location, follow these steps:

    1. Ensure that the NAS is connected to a network with internet access and has a valid IP address.
    2. Configure port forwarding on your router to forward the necessary ports to the NAS. The default ports for NAS access are TCP 80 (HTTP) and TCP 443 (HTTPS). Consult your router's documentation for instructions on how to set up port forwarding.
    3. Obtain the public IP address of your router. You can use websites like whatismyip.com to find out your public IP address.
    4. Open a web browser on your remote device and enter the public IP address of your router followed by the forwarded port number (e.g., http://public_ip_address:80 or https://public_ip_address:443).
    5. You should be redirected to the login page of the NAS. Enter your username and password to log in.
    6. Once logged in, you should have access to the NAS interface, where you can navigate through the file structure and access your files remotely.

    Note: It is recommended to set up secure access by enabling HTTPS and using a strong password for your NAS to ensure data security. Additionally, some routers may require additional configuration or have different steps for port forwarding, so refer to your specific router's documentation for detailed instructions.

  • What are the security measures in place to ensure safe access to files on the NAS Instek NR5400-3U from a remote location?

    The Instek NR5400-3U NAS (Network Attached Storage) device likely includes several security measures to ensure safe access to files from a remote location. While the specific security features may vary, here are some common measures typically found in NAS devices:

    1. User Authentication: The NAS device would require users to authenticate themselves before accessing files remotely. This authentication can be in the form of username and password, or more advanced methods like two-factor authentication (2FA).
    2. Secure Remote Access Protocols: The NAS device would support secure remote access protocols such as Secure Shell (SSH) or Secure Socket Layer (SSL) to establish an encrypted connection between the remote user and the NAS device. This encryption helps protect the data transmitted over the network.
    3. Virtual Private Network (VPN): The NAS device may support VPN connectivity, allowing remote users to establish a secure and encrypted connection to the local network where the NAS resides. VPNs provide an added layer of security by encrypting all traffic between the remote user and the NAS device.
    4. Firewall and Intrusion Detection/Prevention System (IDS/IPS): The NAS device might have built-in firewall capabilities to filter and monitor incoming and outgoing network traffic. Additionally, an IDS/IPS system may be in place to detect and prevent any unauthorized access attempts or suspicious activities.
    5. Access Control Lists (ACLs): NAS devices often provide access control mechanisms where administrators can define specific permissions and restrictions for individual users or user groups. This allows fine-grained control over who can access which files and folders remotely.
    6. Data Encryption: The NAS device may offer data encryption options to secure the files stored on the device. This can include encryption at rest, where the data is encrypted on the storage media, as well as encryption in transit, where the data is encrypted when being accessed remotely.
    7. Automatic Updates and Patch Management: Regular firmware updates and security patches are crucial to address any vulnerabilities. The NAS device should have mechanisms in place to automatically update its software and firmware to ensure it remains secure against emerging threats.

    It is important to note that the specific security measures and features may vary depending on the model and firmware version of the Instek NR5400-3U NAS device. It is recommended to consult the device's documentation or contact the manufacturer for detailed information about the security measures implemented in the specific model.

  • Are there any limitations or restrictions when accessing files on the NAS Instek NR5400-3U from a remote location?

    Yes, there may be limitations or restrictions when accessing files on the NAS Instek NR5400-3U from a remote location. Some common limitations or restrictions include:

    1. Network Speed: The speed of file access and transfer may be limited by the internet connection speed at both the remote location and the NAS device's location. Slow internet speeds can result in slower file access and transfer.
    2. Bandwidth Limitations: If multiple users are accessing the NAS remotely, the available bandwidth may be shared among them, potentially leading to slower access speeds for each user.
    3. Firewall and Port Forwarding: If the NAS is located behind a firewall or a router, proper port forwarding configuration may be required to allow remote access. Without proper configuration, accessing the NAS from a remote location may not be possible.
    4. Security Settings: The NAS may have security settings that restrict remote access for certain users or IP addresses. These settings may need to be adjusted to allow remote access.
    5. VPN or Dynamic DNS: If the NAS has a dynamic IP address, remote access may require the use of a VPN (Virtual Private Network) or a dynamic DNS (Domain Name System) service to ensure consistent and secure access.
    6. User Permissions: The NAS may have user permissions and access controls that restrict certain users from accessing specific files or directories remotely.

    It is recommended to consult the user manual or contact the manufacturer's support for specific information regarding limitations or restrictions when accessing files on the NAS Instek NR5400-3U from a remote location.

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